DPP to mount court challenge against ruling

THE Director of Public Prosecutions, James Hamilton, is set to mount a High Court challenge to a decision by a Cork-based District Court judge to strike out 80 drink-driving cases earlier this week.

A DPP spokesperson said yesterday that Mr Hamilton was likely to initiate a High Court action “at an early opportunity” against a ruling by Judge Michael Patwell at Midleton District Court on Thursday.

It is understood Mr Hamilton has also sought a detailed report on the proceedings which have resulted in the latest legal uncertainty over the use of controversial garda breathalysing equipment known as an intoximeter.